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Case 1

Case Study - Common Cold*

The following is an example of one case and its treatment by TCM. It is given here as a example of the way that TCM sees a condition as it presents in each individual, and to provide a guide as to how treatment is then fitted to the case at hand.

*The case study is an illustration of how TCM treatment helped one individual, individual results may vary.

Presentation

A 26 yr old male with mild fever, sore throat, blocked nose, headache and dizziness all developed the day before.

Examination.

Examination revealed a dry painful throat with hoarseness of voice, mild aversion to exposure to wind, a slightly raised temperature with mild sweating, dizziness, constant headache, a blocked nose with little discharge and increased thirst.

The Tongue and Pulse both indicated the presence of Heat.  

Diagnosis

Invasion of Exterior Wind & Heat.  

Signs and Symptoms Analysis

Aversion to wind indicates an Exterior Wind pathogen, the increase in temperature and mild sweating indicate disturbance of Wei Qi (defensive Qi). The blocked nose, sore throat and hoarseness indicate blocked Lung Qi, while the lack of mucus discharge from the nose indicates the presence of Heat. Pain in throat often indicates Heat. Increased thirst indicates Heat with injury to body fluids. Examination of the Tongue and Pulse both confirm the presence of Heat.  

Treatment

The treatment principle in this case was to Expel Wind, Cool Heat and replenish the Fluids. Acupuncture was used with two points chosen to eliminate Wind and Heat, one point to eliminate Wind and cool the Blood and one point to disperse the local Qi stagnation in the throat.

Results

The following day the temperature was normal and all symptoms were gone except for a mild discomfort in the throat. A similar treatment was given and the next day the patient was fully recovered.